roasted parsnip fries with parmesan

I've always loved parsnips , a root vegetable similar to carrots, but with an earthy, slightly sweet flavor that tastes like autumn to me.  They're a pretty cream color, and should be used when they are not too big or fat, as the larger ones often have a woody core when harvested, that has to be trimmed off.

I often peel and slice them, like carrots, and simmer in water until soft, then drained, mashed, and sprinkled with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and butter.  But when I saw this recipe from BBC Good Food, I was intrigued and decided to try the high-heat roasting method they used.  The recipe called for rolling them in a cornmeal and grated parmesan cheese mixture, and roasting at high heat, which I did, but they needed another ten minutes or so to brown up and soften - a perfect excuse to sprinkle more parmesan over them:) .  A delightful lunch for me, but also a perfect side dish at dinnertime.

Roasted Parsnip Fries

1 bag parsnips (mine was 20 ounces - about 8 parsnips), peeled and cut into fries
6 tablespoons olive oil

The cheese and cornmeal coating:
6 tablespoons fine cornmeal or polenta
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese - plus a little more for sprinkling
   after you turn the fries
a few scrapings of nutmeg
a pinch of thyme
a few leaves of fresh rosemary

Preheat oven to 450F.
Spread the olive oil evenly over a cookie sheet.

Peel the parsnips, cutting each parsnip in half, then cutting each half into sticks.  When my grandchildren tried them tonight, they liked the fatter, wider ones, so next time I'll probably stick with that size. 

In a bowl, mix the parmesan and cornmeal, thyme, rosemary and nutmeg.

Bring a pot of salted water to a bowl, then place parsnip sticks into the boiling water and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the parsnips are just tender.  Drain well.

Roll each parsnip fry in the cheese and cornmeal mixture and place on the oiled cookie sheet until all the fries are coated .  Sprinkle salt over the fries and slide into preheated oven.

Roast the fries for 15 minutes, then turn the fries over, sprinkle with a little more parmesan, and cook another 15 minutes.  Serve nice and hot - enjoy!

2014:  egg timbales with chopped herbs  
2015:   rainbow beet salad with oregano and lemon
2012: butternut squash muffins on a glowing day
2013:  rapini and rigatoni pasta with olive oil and hot pepper flakes